What to expect from your pet sitter

  Posted on December 31, 2009  by Joy of Living  No comments

Bo, the cat:  Okay, you have just learned what your duties are with respect to hiring a pet sitter, but what does the pet sitter need to do for you and your pet before you leave town?

Jessie, the dog:  I would just tell the pet sitter to get rid of the cat.  It’s that simple.  Then, all of the attention could be showered upon moi!

Bo:  I was thinking more along the lines of the RESPONSIBLE things the pet sitter needs to do.  For example, the pet sitter will need to gather the client’s basic information:  how many pets, what types of pets, and where they are located.  The sitter will then schedule a get acquainted visit where the client will complete necessary paperwork, such as information on each pet, contact information for the client, an emergency contact, access instructions, and a release from their veterinarian in case something does happen to the pet in their absence and the sitter needs to take the pet to the vet.

Jessie:  Still…wouldn’t it be easier just to get rid of the cat?

Bo:  Go back to your corner, Jessie.  I have the podium now.  At the home visit, the pet sitter will meet the pet and determine its overall behavior.  Is it aggressive?  Destructive?  Sweet and lovable like myself?  The sitter will than ask for additional information as to what the client may want done during their absence.  Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City will get the mail, the paper, set out the garbage, water plants, and fill bird feeders, among other things.  The sitter will also need to find out where the pet food, toys, accessories, and leashes are kept and find out any type of daily ritual, such as walks and treat time.  Also, be sure to ask if the pet sitter is bonded and insured.  Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City is both bonded and insured.  Another point of interest:  observe how the sitter interacts with your pet on the get acquainted visit.  If, in fact, the sitter does decide to get rid of the cat, escort the sitter out.  However, if the sitter has designs on eradicating the dog, well, that is another story!  Finally, check to see if the pet sitting service is a member of a professional association, such as Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.  Joy of Living Pet Sitting Services in Kansas City is the premiere pet sitting service in the area.  They treat your pets like family.